I have been longing to write something about people around me. So here it is, the chronicle of people around me in Sekolah Rendah Al-Munir’s teacher’s lounge. I will compose this in several parts, to make things simple.

I will start with the higher-ups. Al-Munir’s Penolong Kanan: Ms. Sabariah bt Che Noh. This bespectacled lady hails from Kelantan, a land which I was once familiar with. At first I thought she is the same person who used to teach me back in 2000, but I was proven wrong when I asked her if she knew me from before.

Then it’s the PK HEM: Mr. Suhaimi bin Sanusi. He is one of the teachers used to teach me Fiqh, back in 2000; the year which he came back from Egypt. It was funny, at first, knowing that I was once his pupil, and now, lo and behold — a co-worker. You’ll know this awkwardness if you’re in my shoes.

Another ‘old teacher’ from my primary school age is Ms. Norela bt Othman, though she is not really that old. She was not wearing glasses in my time, though she is now. I would say she was one of my favorite teachers between 1995-2000, but saying that would cause an uproar between them teachers (lol), so I did not. She was, indeed, a very good Quran teacher, though I rarely get full marks in that subject.

Mrs. Robi’atun bt Abas is another exemplary teacher who still works here in Al-Munir. When you mention her name to any of the students, or even ex-students, the very first impression you will get is that she is a Mathematics teacher. Always was, always is, always will. Among any other old teachers, she stays the longest, way before I even entered the school.

…or staves. Nay, that’s plural for staff, which is what I do not want to mention in this post. Stuff, to be exact.

Earlier this week I have been getting loads of to-be-done thingies. And didn’t I mention getting married is one helluva big stuff I am yet to believe I am going to be having one day? Yes, getting married is not easy. The procedures, God, is so unbelievably numerous! Fill this and that form, get signature from the Ketua Kampung, et cetera, et cetera.

I mean, yeah, look at us. We barely manage to manage our own selves. No, not us. ME!

But, heck, these are a one-off procedure, so I’d better step carefully and try to do my best. I would even want to think to enjoy being busy while it lasts.

Believe it or not, once I arrived at school this morning, first thing I noticed was that my laptop was not shut down for two effing days!

And… to my delight, Starcraft II has finally completed downloading. Yea, I know, don’t be an ass, it’s kinda late to play the game at this time of the year — what, being released for almost a year and me going to be a husband at the end of the next two months.

But, what the heck, I cannot say I could leave games. Not even after I became a husband. Besides, N said I could even play it after our marriage, but not without her presence. Lol.

Perhaps. Or perhaps just the same old chap with a new sidekick. Wait, a sidekick is for a hero. I am no hero, so there’s no use getting a sidekick. Lol.

Today marks the day of my failure. I fail to deliver a short story to be published together with several other writers from Egypt. Two short stories, two be exact.

I have never been good at organizing things my way. I always am in a mess. Maybe after the next few months, I will be changing this habit. Or be changed.

O yes, change is good, says Rafiki the wise old baboon from The Lion King. Indeed, and change is what I want in this life. Change to be a better person. A better son. A better teacher. A better servant of Allah.